AI and Smart Tech: Expert Advice on Safeguarding Your Privacy
In today’s increasingly digital age, protecting your privacy has become more challenging yet crucial than ever before.
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology, the data that companies collect from users has grown exponentially.
Understanding how to safeguard your personal information is essential.
This article delves into expert advice on how to navigate the privacy landscape effectively.
Understanding the Risks of Allowing App Permissions
One of the major concerns in the realm of privacy is the access that applications have to your personal devices.
Ms Gamot, a privacy advocate, highlights the dangers of inadvertently granting apps access to your microphone.
“Three seconds [of recording] is enough to clone your voice for a bad actor,” she warns.
This chilling fact underscores the importance of being vigilant about the permissions we grant to various applications on our devices.
The Importance of Reading Terms and Conditions
Many users tend to overlook the terms and conditions when downloading new apps or signing up for online services.
However, this seemingly minor step can have significant implications for your privacy.
Conor McCaffrey from Securiti Sciences Limited, an AI data security firm, emphasises the importance of understanding what you are agreeing to.
“The most common example is cookie banners,” he explains.
“The most conscious thing I do is read those forms to understand what the organisation is, what data they are collecting on me, and what they are doing with it.”
Rather than blindly clicking ‘accept,’ it is advisable to scrutinise the permissions being requested and to adjust them according to your comfort level.
This is especially relevant when uploading personal content, such as photos, to websites.
By doing so, you might inadvertently relinquish rights to your content.
Therefore, it is prudent to always review what you are consenting to.
Assessing the Necessity of Providing Personal Information
In the digital world, data is a valuable commodity.
Ms Gamot advises users to critically evaluate the amount of personal information they provide when signing up for services.
“People are just collecting data. That’s their business,” she states.
It is important to question the necessity of the information being requested.
For example, providing your address is reasonable when having an item delivered, but in other contexts, it may not be necessary.
Ms. Gamot emphasizes the importance of data awareness. “Question every piece of information you share online,” she says.
“Is it necessary to give out your email, address, age, or even passport number?
Be very careful with your sensitive data.”
Companies often collect data to sell it, which underscores the need to be judicious about the information you share.
Evaluating the Worth of Apps
The decision to download an app should not be taken lightly.
Mr McCaffrey highlights the importance of evaluating whether an app is worth the data it collects.
“Be conscious that your data is the most valuable thing,” he says.
This is particularly true for free apps, which often monetise by harvesting user data.
Mr McCaffrey specifically warns against downloading random game apps.
“I don’t download random game apps because I know they’re just sucking all my data out of my phone and reselling it,” he explains.
While these games can provide short-term entertainment, the potential cost to your privacy might be too high.
He questions whether “five minutes of dopamine is worth selling my date of birth potentially or whatever IP information [they’re taking].”
Practical Steps for Enhancing Your Privacy
To better safeguard your privacy in an era dominated by AI and smart technology, consider the following steps:
- ✅ Review App Permissions Regularly: Periodically check the permissions granted to apps on your devices and revoke any that seem unnecessary.
- ✅ Use Privacy-Focused Tools: Employ tools and services designed to enhance your privacy, such as VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, and privacy-focused browsers.
- ✅ Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest privacy news and trends. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about the services and apps you use.
- ✅ Educate Yourself on Data Rights: Understand your rights regarding data privacy. In many regions, laws such as the GDPR provide robust protections for personal data.
- ✅ Opt for Paid Services: Where possible, consider using paid services over free alternatives. Paid services are less likely to rely on data monetisation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, safeguarding your privacy in a tech-driven world requires vigilance and proactive measures.
By understanding the risks associated with app permissions, reading terms and conditions, evaluating the necessity of providing personal information, and carefully assessing the worth of apps, users can take significant steps toward protecting their data.
As AI and smart technology continue to evolve, staying informed and making conscious decisions about data sharing will be essential in maintaining privacy and security.
